Partnerships topic of Wednesday ULI forum

COEUR d’ALENE — Development requires teamwork.

So bringing the public and private sectors together can be a key to making a project go.

In Coeur d’Alene, those partnerships have been instrumental in land development for years, with more potential projects on the horizon.

The Urban Land Institute will focus on how to create those public-private partnerships during its annual meeting from 8 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Parkside Towers in Coeur d’Alene.

The workshop will bring together local and national figures to help examine the possibilities and benefits for brining those sides together.

Charlie Long, land developer and economic adviser to several cities in California, will lead the forum. He’ll present an overview of the private development process including its financing and risks, as well as describe the tools public agencies can employ to determine if a public partnership serves the public’s interest.

“We are excited to have Charlie Long with us to share his expertise with Idaho public officials and developers on sound investment in community projects,” said Bob Taunton, chairman of ULI’s Idaho District Council.

A panel will be made up of regional experts, moderated by Ed Miller of Boise-based Givens Pursley. Steve Meyer, of Parkwood Properties, Denny Davis from Witherspoon Kelley as well as chairman of Lake City Development Corp., Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, and Post Falls City Administrator Eric Keck comprise the local board.

After the presentation, participants will work in small groups to apply methods to a couple of under-developed spots locally; the Landings project in Post Falls and an area on the east side of the old Atlas Mill site next to Riverstone.

The panel will then summarize results and discuss the next steps for financing and structuring these projects.

Registration is $50 for non-members and $45 for ULI members.

Continental breakfast will be served.

The ULI is a nonprofit research and education organization represented the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines.

Info: idaho.uli.org, click on “ULI Idaho - Public-Private Partnerships to Enhance Private Investment and Create Public Benefits.”